Recess (1997–2001)

Comic tales of a group of good friends, 4 boys and 2 girls, during breaks in primary school, as they grow up, relate to each other, and have brushes with authority.

Creators:

Joe Ansolabehere, Paul Germain

Stars:

Rickey D'Shon Collins, Jason Davis, Ashley Johnson

1 win & 13 nominations.

Cast

Series cast summary:
Rickey D'Shon Collins	...	Vince (129 episodes, 1997-2001)
Jason Davis	...	Mikey (129 episodes, 1997-2001)
Ashley Johnson	...	Gretchen (129 episodes, 1997-2001)
Pamela Adlon	...	Spinelli (129 episodes, 1997-2001)
Courtland Mead	...	Gus (128 episodes, 1997-2001)
Andrew Lawrence	...	Theodore J. Detweiler (II) (101 episodes, 1998-2001)

Storyline

Comic tales of a group of good friends, 4 boys and 2 girls, during breaks in primary school, as they grow up, relate to each other, and have brushes with authority.

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Plot Keywords:

girl | group | elementary school | playground | leader | 

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Genres:

Animation | Adventure | Comedy | Family | Sport

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Certificate:

TV-Y

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

13 September 1997 (USA)

Also Known As:

Disney's Recess: Created by Paul and Joe

Company Credits

Production Co:

Paul & Joe Productions, Walt Disney Television Animation

Technical Specs

Runtime:

15 min 15 min (52 episodes)

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Paul Germain based Gretchen Grundler on childhood pictures of his wife.

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Quotes

Theodore J. 'T.J.' Detweiler: Mikey, what are you doing?
Mikey: Communing with people who appreciate my innate spiritual gifts.
Theodore J. 'T.J.' Detweiler: I appreciate your insane spiritual gifts, Mikey.

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Connections

Edited into Recess Christmas: Miracle on Third Street (2001)

User Reviews

Wonderful!

I first encountered this great series a short while back when babysitting, and can only regret that it wasn't around when I was at school! Sharper, wittier and more acerbic than standard Disney fare, it still packs a healthy dose of Disney morals and lessons into each episode without being overwhelmed by them, thank heavens.

The idea is simplicity itself: a group of tight-knit ten-year-old friends battle to overcome problems and enemies (often in the shape of an authority figure!) within the confines of school, the playground, the odd field trip and of course, the daily doses of Recess. The fun, however, lies in the outrageous situations that spring up, the even crazier solutions, and the delightfully extreme characters that populate the school.

At the centre of it all is the gang of six: the leader T.J (a sort of pre-teen Fonzie) who always has a plan (or six) and enough moral fibre for the whole playground, hot-tempered, feisty Spinelli, Gretchen, the smartest girl in school (and possibly the nation) gentle giant Mikey, ultra-cool sports fanatic Vince, and pint-sized, fearful Gus. Together they take on dilemmas ranging from bullying and what to do about it, to unfair teachers, playground fads and classroom snitches (not to mention the savage kindergärtners!) Characterisation as aforementioned is delightfully extreme - kudos to whoever came up with Gretchen and Spinelli in particular! Gus is a constant source of humour - Vince and Mikey are solid support, but T.J, who combines the wisdom of Huckleberry Finn and the coolness of the Fonz, along with a mischievous streak that would do Bart Simpson proud is a continual stroke of genius. 10/10!